Chapter 111

Thalia’s heart sank. Victoria’s words hit her like a bucket of ice water, instantly clearing the fog from her mind. She opened Twitter, where the top trending topic boldly proclaimed: “Blackwood Industries CEO and Actress Laurina Kensington Romantic Relationship Exposed.” Thalia saw the headline but couldn't bring herself to click it. Laurina Kensington was one of Britain's leading actresses; Thalia had even watched some of her television dramas. Why would Asher be linked with her? He’d never mentioned knowing her.

“Lia? Are you still there?” Victoria’s indignant voice cut through. “I can’t believe it! I never thought Asher would be that kind of man! You said yesterday you’d only had a disagreement, and today he’s photographed entering a hotel with some actress. I’m absolutely livid—what a complete wanker! I could throttle him!”

Entering a hotel? Thalia’s heart contracted painfully; her body went cold. Finally, she tapped the trending topic. Her screen filled with gossip stories:

[Recently, acclaimed actress Laurina Kensington was photographed entering a hotel with a mysterious man. The pair appeared intimate, suggesting a romantic relationship. Sources claim the mystery man is Blackwood Industries CEO Asher Blackwood. Kensington’s representatives have yet to issue a statement.]

Below the text was a surreptitiously taken photograph of Laurina with a man. Laurina’s face was visible; the man was shown only in profile. The moment Thalia saw the photograph, her blood froze. She recognized Asher instantly. He wore a black coat, walking beside Laurina. They made a striking pair, and the top comments gushed about how well-suited they looked.

The next Twitter post read: [Laurina Kensington to join elite society? According to insider sources, the mysterious man entering the hotel with Kensington is the CEO of Blackwood Industries. The pair are reportedly in a romantic relationship, with speculation that Laurina may be marrying into one of Britain’s wealthiest families.] The accompanying images were similar to the previous post. Scrolling further, Thalia found several more posts with essentially identical content. As she read, she trembled with anger, her heart aching, her breath shallow. Tears blurred her phone screen.

Thalia ended the call with Victoria and rang Asher. The phone rang endlessly without an answer. After it disconnected automatically, she immediately called again. Still no answer. Thalia’s heart grew colder. On her fifth attempt, the call connected. Through her tears, her voice trembling, she said, “The trending story isn’t true, is it? That’s not you in the photograph, right? Asher, just tell me, and I’ll believe you.”

There was a brief silence, followed by a melodious female voice: “Um… sorry, who’s calling? This is Laurina. Asher’s in the shower and can’t come to the phone. Is there something I can help you with?” Thalia felt a sharp pain in her chest; her breath hitched. Receiving no response, Laurina continued, “Hello? Are you still there?”

“She’s hung up,” Laurina said, looking up at Asher. “That was rather brutal. If I were in her shoes, I’d loathe you till the end of time.” She tossed the phone back to Asher. “I don’t mind being your decoy, but you ought to think this through. When a woman is wounded this deeply, you might find it impossible to win her back later.”

Laurina Kensington, the celebrated actress, was the second daughter of the prestigious Kensington family from Manchester. Asher’s maternal grandmother, Elisabeth Kensington, had been born into the same family. Laurina’s grandfather and Asher’s grandmother were siblings, making Laurina and Asher distant relatives. Laurina’s schedule was perpetually packed, leaving her little personal time. She hadn’t been able to meet Thalia or attend Asher and Thalia’s engagement ceremony.

In a desperate attempt to make Thalia give up hope, Asher had sought out his distant cousin, asking her to participate in this charade. Laurina, initially believing he was financing a film, had been delighted. Asher had coolly explained that he needed her to act as his romantic interest. Laurina had initially refused, but he had offered her five million pounds.

Laurina had inwardly resolved to avoid earning Thalia's hatred, noting that the compensation was exceptionally lucrative. Asher had instructed her to make it convincing. Laurina, confident in her abilities as a BAFTA winner, had agreed.

After ending the call, Thalia sat by the window, staring blankly, tears falling uncontrollably. A few minutes later, Asher returned her call. Thinking he might offer an explanation, Thalia hastily answered. Asher forced himself to sound calm: “Laurina mentioned you’d called.”

Laurina. Such an intimate way to address her. Just as he had once called Thalia “Lia.” The hope that had briefly risen in Thalia’s heart was cruelly crushed. Her voice trembling, she asked, “You and her…” The words trailed off; the pain in her chest was suffocating.

“Yes,” Asher’s voice was devoid of warmth. “We’ve already ended our relationship. Who I’m with now is hardly your concern.”

Thalia’s breath hitched. Her voice hoarse, she asked, “You’re lying to me, aren’t you? Asher, I don’t believe you would be with someone else so soon. Tell me the truth—is this because of Malfoy? You haven’t really changed your feelings, have you? You’re only doing this to protect me…”

On the other end of the line, Asher listened to Thalia’s sobs, his heart shattering. He closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath before speaking coldly, “Don’t flatter yourself.” He hastily ended the call, his resolve crumbling.